Cleveland, OH (92.3 The Fan) – The Indians have agreed to a minor-league deal with infielder Hanley Ramirez according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Hanley Ramirez in agreement with #Indians on minor-league deal, pending physical, sources tell The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 24, 2019
Ramirez, 35, posted a .254 batting average last season, finishing with six home runs and 29 RBI in 195 plate appearances. Ramirez posted a .330 averagine in the month of April, but struggled in May, posting a .163 average. He was designated for assignment on May 25.
He gives the Indians some insurance in the infield and brings an experienced bat to a lineup that's much younger than it was a season ago. Ramirez is a candidate for the designated hitter spot.
The three-time All-Star won the National League batting title in 2009, finishing with a .342 average. He posted a slash line of .290/.365/.488 with a .853 OPS from 2008 through 2016. Adding an experienced player like him can't hurt, especially since it's a minor-league deal. Obviously, Ramirez isn't the player he once was, but it's hard to blame the Indians for checking to see if he has anything left.
These are the type of signings the Indians need to get something out of. If Ramirez can provide insurance in the infield, while also adding some power to the lineup, then the Indians are getting a steal.




